Morning Edition

Listen Live

Next

BBC Newshour

In-depth analysis and commentary on today's biggest news stories as only the BBC can deliver. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe.

University of Delaware taps Rutgers offensive coach to lead football program; post Keeler

January 18, 2013

The next chapter of University of Delaware football will be put in the hands of an offensive minded coach from Rutgers University.

Athletic Director Eric Ziady introduced Dave Brock as the 5th head coach in University history. Brock comes from Rutgers as the offensive coordinator.

No mention of former head coach K.C. Keeler was made during the event. Ziady was upbeat about Brock and the search that was undertaken to identify Brock and hire him. “Not unexpectedly, we received tremendous interest in this position from more than 60 coaches around the country. Some in the NFL, some in college, some from the West Coast, some from the East Coast. We spoke with many coaches over the phone or in person, Ziady said.”

Brock said he knew about the Blue Hen football team having played against Delaware while at conference rival Hofstra. He wouldn’t predict what kind of offense the 2013 football team would display. He said it would be energetic.

That was the way Ziady described Brock. “He’s disciplined and passionate, dynamic and energetic, knowledgeable and experienced. He will recruit excellent students and athletes to Delaware, and we’ll play an exciting brand of football with an aggressive approach.”

Brock did call Keeler a great coach. He did say his UD team would be different. “Our student athletes will play an attacking brand of football, we’re going to be exciting. We’re going to attack the classroom. We’re going to attack discipline. We’re going to attack everything that we do in the same manner.”

Brock on his unfamiliarity with DE: “I’m not going to sit here today and tell you I know everything about Delaware. I don’t know the Wing-T or Dave Nelson, Grotto’s or Iron Hill, South College Avenue or Main Street, the Bob or, as I’ve told you, the Blue Hen. I do know that I’m going to immerse myself in the traditions that are Delaware and Delaware football.”

Brock said he know he has some tight deadlines to meet. Signing day, where seniors decide where they are going to play is on February 6th. He said he knows some of the current coaches. He has spoken to them and some of the players. He knows he has his work cut out for him. “This football team is not mine. It belongs to the people of the state whose passion for Delaware football is never ending. It belongs to the players who played here before, the players who play here now, and the players who are going to play here in the future.”

He said there was also the task for moving his family to the Newark area. However, he said that his wife was very excited to know that there is no sales tax when she goes shopping.